E30 325i convertible vs 320i convertible

[Bayerische]

I am thinking of buying a lovely low mileage E30 320i convertible. I have read that the 325i is the one to have though. Is the 320i convertible very underpowered and sluggish to drive compared to the 325i. Should I hold out for a 325i or is the difference marginal? I have driven neither.

All opinions greatly appreciated.

[jas xjr]

Drove a 320 coupe when they were new . I found it quite slow, it felt slow. At the time I was driving an 8v golf gti

[Gruber]

The 325 is no doubt quicker, but in cab form I doubt balls out speed is really top priority. Both are lovely smooth engines if you can find one that's been well looked after.

If it were a tin-top or touring, then 325 without doubt, but I think I'd be less fussed with the drop top. Finding an unmolested cab is no mean thing, so if you've found a tasty 320 I'd go for it.

That said, there's probably more demand for 325s, if ease of resale is a big consideration.

[belleair302]

More importantly look for rust, front wings, around the front scuttle, windscreen, lower sills, boot floor, petrol filler cap and on the underside. If the bodywork is OK and the bills are decent then engine size makes no difference in the real world when looking at cars over 20 years old.

[4rephill]

belleair302 said:

More importantly look for rust, front wings, around the front scuttle, windscreen, lower sills, boot floor, petrol filler cap and on the underside. If the bodywork is OK and the bills are decent then engine size makes no difference in the real world when looking at cars over 20 years old.

+1 Plus, check when the cambelt was replaced on whichever you go with, if there's any doubt, get it changed.

The performance difference between the two is not as great as some people seem to think it is, the 325i is slightly better but it's not night and day as some seem to imply.

Also, from all the test drives and reviews I've ever read about the engines, the 2.0L engine is actually rated as the smoother/sweeter engine of the two (have to say though,when I had My 325 and My mate had his 320 I didn't notice any real difference TBH).

[BlueProp]

Have a look at www.danielcurnock.co.uk/forsale

I bought a 325i touring E30 from him earlier in the year, he's a true enthusiast.

[gmarks1]

Have owned both and the performance difference is night and day, although the 2 litre is a nice smooth engine, the 2.5 litre is a gem and offers really good performance for the age. Both based on m20 block, if I remember correctly the power outputs are 123 bhp vs 171 bhp-that's a massive difference. Fuel consumption on both is similar so as a result the 2 litre cars tend to be unpopular versus either the 2.5 for performance or 1.8 for economy.

Edited by gmarks1 on Saturday 6th November 20:52

[Bayerische]

Thanks guys for all of your replies and advice, much appreciated. A 325 manual convertible is really what I am leaning towards now.

This is the car I was thinking of going to see, its looks like a minter but, I think it is priced too high. It's the Calypso red car if you scroll down.

http://www.oldcolonelcars.co.uk/

Thanks Blueprop for the link to the site. His 325i looks gorgeous, royal blue is the nicest colour. I may check it out but I was looking for a lower mileage car. I think I will hold out for the right 325i manual convertible to come along.

Thanks again guys.

Edited by Bayerische on Sunday 7th November 00:48

[Gruber]

If you're looking to spend that sort of money, you really need to consider this:

http://4starclassics.com/bmw-alpina-c2-2-7-convert...

It is lovely. Very quick, lovely straight six engine and as rare as rocking horse poo.

[Bayerische]

Thanks Gruber but Alpinas just don't do it for me, it's a little leggy also.

His red 320i is beautiful, top money for a 320 though.

[E31Shrew]

Had a G plate 320 Conv in 1989 and covered over 30000 miles in the first year of ownership. The fun of being a rep back then!
Great car, and the only problem was the roof leaked on to the seat bolster!
Followed this with a late E30 Sport 325 [ H reg ] but to be honest, if being used as a 'sunny day' occasional motor, I wouldn't think you would miss the 2.5 too much.
Must admit I didn't think there were any L plate 320 E30s about., I thought they only produced the run out 318 models with the garish colour schemes

Edited by E31Shrew on Sunday 7th November 01:35

[b9boy]

In my experience the difference is big enough to warrant holding out for a 325i. The difference in torque makes a big difference to the driveability and to the feel that you are driving a preformance car.

Drive both though and make your own mind up.